Commission votes down Matoaca residential rezoning
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Gecker

On a narrow 3-2 vote, the Chesterfield Planning Commission last week recommended denial of a 328-home rezoning on 164 acres on Genito Road east of the Clover Hill Athletic Complex. Commissioners Dan Gecker, Wayne Bass and Russ Gulley voted for denial while Commissioners Jack Wilson and Sherman Litton favored the rezoning.

The planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning, saying it "conforms to the Upper Swift Creek Plan." That comprehensive plan is being revised, which most likely would put the property owned by Piedmont Venture LLC in a deferred growth area - a reason for the planning staff to recommend denial of the rezoning.

"We are dealing with inadequate infrastructure," said Gecker in explaining his denial vote. He speculated the developer wants to get his rezoning request to the current Board of Supervisors before the election changes the board makeup. Two of the supervisors are not running for reelection.

A court reporter hired by the developer transcribed last week's case proceedings, which could be a precursor of legal action. A court reporter was also present two months ago when the commission deferred the case for 60 days over the objections of attorney Jim Theobald. Last week, Theobald stressed that the rezoning "is in agreement with the land use plan."

Wilson

Piedmont Venture proffered the full cash amount of $15,600 per home, totaling $5.1 million. It also dedicated 200 feet of rightof way through the property for the Powhite Parkway extension when built.

"The Powhite is consistent with our road solving problems," said Wilson.

Moseley resident Kitty Snow was one of four residents who spoke against the rezoning. There are problems with roads, schools and EMS response time as in other Matoaca rezonings, she argued, saying "Ditto."

"There's not enough classroom space even when the new schools come online," added Gulley.

Church denial

The same commission majority opposed a rezoning by the New Bethel Christian Fellowship for 30 acres on Belmont Road near the Chesterfield County Airport. The church had purchased the site to build a new church only to find out a church wasn't permissible with the current industrial zoning.

The planning staff opposed the rezoning because the rezoning to agriculture doesn't follow the comprehensive plan, would encroach on economic development, was incompatible with airport operations, and transportation plans were not addressed.

Airport Manager Charlie Dane said the site was in the north departure flight pattern out of the airport and predicted there would be complaints about noise with the latest airport expansion. A church spokesperson called noise "a non-issue."

Garrett Hart, speaking for the county's Economic Development Department, opposed the rezoning, saying it would hamper business growth.

Horse farm

Another Matoaca District rezoning was recommended for approval unanimously as endorsed by the planning staff. If approved by the board, Debonair Acres LLC will get 690 acres of R-88 zoning for 248 homes on 1-5 acre lots.

One hundred acres will be dedicated to a horse farm, which will include "revitalizing the riding ring," according to attorney Carrie Coyner. Gecker pointed out that there were no proffers "guaranteeing the equestrian feature," but he voted with the other commissioners.

Reams Road rezoning

The commission unanimously recommended rezoning 22 acres for 87 multifamily residences on Reams Road between the Winters Hill Place and Gatewood subdivisions. Tascon Group will build age-restricted housing for the infill development with almost all of the $900,000 in proffers going to make road improvements.

Enon Church Road

The commission approved a 57-acre site off North Enon Church Road for 130 townhouses and cluster homes and 40,000 square feet of neighborhood retail and office space where the CSX railroad tracks cross the road. Staff recommended approval for the rezoning that includes developer Enon LLC paying $2 million in proffers.

Brandermill deferral

As motioned by Gulley, an amendment to the 1974 rezoning case for Brandermill was deferred for 60 days. Last year, the planning department discovered the rezoning of the Millcrest subdivision in Brandermill violated a requirement for 940 acres of open space, putting Chesterfield's largest planned community 27 acres short.

Because the error was made by the planning department, the correction was initiated by the county. The Brandermill Board of Directors supported the amendment, but the deferral came at the request of Commonwealth Golf Properties, the owner of the Brandermill Country Club. Attorney Will Homiller asked for more time to study "any adverse impact on the club."